Illinois lawmakers have not finished a state budget, but – pending the governor’s signature – there is an official state mushroom.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Local lawmaker wants to hit the brakes on Illinois’ gas tax
State Rep. Dan Caulkins, a Republican from Decatur, wants to suspend the annual increase in the state’s gas tax for two years. … MORE
West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes found in Fulton County
By WMBD-TV FULTON COUNTY – The Fulton County Health Department announced a pool of mosquitoes in Cuba have tested positive for West Nile Virus. According to their Facebook, the mosquitoes were collected on May 17. The Administrator of Fulton County Health Department Katie Lynn said, “West Nile virus activity has been present in the state, and…… MORE
Big package of business incentives has passed the Illinois House
HB 817 has passed the House, 98-14.… MORE
Group of ex-convicts trying to get support for a program in Springfield
Unless they’re serving a life sentence, prisoners will get out and return to society. But ex-convicts have trouble securing gainful employment. People at a news conference at the Capitol say a bill awaiting Senate action would help. … MORE
Native American tribe could reclaim its land in DeKalb County if a bill becomes law
A long struggle by a Native American tribe to reclaim its land in DeKalb County would be resolved if a bill which has passed an Illinois House committee becomes law.… MORE
Bill addressing legislative rulemaking of IEMA heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk
As the Illinois General Assembly waits for a budget to be put together for a hoped-for Friday vote, other legislation is passing.… MORE
Foster kids hair care plan sparks debate at State Capitol
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Maybe state lawmakers are ready for a couple of days off. A lengthy, heated debate in the Illinois Senate Friday was about a bill requiring Illinois foster parents to have a “hair care plan” to assist in allowing the foster child’s hair to be worn in a way reflecting the…… MORE
Thousands of people celebrated the LGBTQ community in downtown Springfield
Organizers of Springfield’s PrideFest say it’s the largest such event in downstate Illinois.… MORE
House gives OK to new state agency focused on early childhood programs
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House gave final passage Thursday to a bill establishing a new cabinet-level state agency whose mission will be to provide a kind of one-stop shop for services focusing on early childhood development and education. By the time it’s fully operational in 2026, the new Department of Early Childhood will…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…